President Donald Trump said the U.S. will not extend its 60-day ceasefire with Iran, raising fresh concerns that tensions in the region could escalate. Trump also threatened Oman with military action if it “gets in the way,” while claiming informal talks with Iran are taking place. Tehran, however, says no direct negotiations with Washington are underway.
The ceasefire, agreed in June, was meant to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and create a path toward a broader deal over Iran’s nuclear program. Instead, the agreement quickly broke down, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Trump continues to insist Iran wants a deal, but Tehran says it is focused on talks with Oman over reopening the crucial shipping route.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has since fallen sharply. Only three ships passed through on Sunday, compared with around 130 vessels a day before the war began. With the waterway handling about a fifth of global oil trade before the conflict, continued disruption could put further pressure on energy markets and increase fears of a wider regional crisis.
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